Wheel Alignment Issue...Ideas?

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Mon Oct 07, 2013 12:23 pm

Hi guys.

While driving long distance, I was unable to avoid an 18 wheeler tire tread and consequently blew my front tire. Oddly about 3 weeks prior I had an alignment and Baron drove straight and true (except a pull when braking which is more than likely caliper or rotor).

Since the hit I had to put my spare (same size different tread) but the pull was almost too much. I took it back to alignment shop and they just phoned to say they are unable to correct and pull is still there. They even switched tires.

Any ideas? Weird but the pull is getting worse with time.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Oct 07, 2013 2:33 pm

What numbers are they getting, something may be bent.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Mon Oct 07, 2013 11:20 pm

From continuing experience (see recent multi-suspension posts), I'm surprised your alignment shop sounds puzzled or, " Can't fix it."

If you look at the realoem.com parts drawing you, or they, can see all the possibilities for things that may have been knocked out of spec or bent. Tie rods, center link, ball joints, bushings, lower control arms. They usually have the factory spec numbers relating to each component to adjust, or pronounce too damaged and need replacing.

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 10:06 am

I didn't grab the paperwork, but will take it back this week. I'll post once I get it back. They claimed suspension was tight. Something is wrong though so hopefully it is possibly a bird bone jammed somewhere!

LOL.

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 2:22 pm

What's the name of this mickey mouse outfit, so we can stay away?

bizz · Post by **bizz** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 4:43 pm

I have been quite suprised by the quality of advice i've received from a couple of steering shops - seems they aren't all that interested in the older vehicles..

I ended up replacing all my tie rods/ends myself which removed a noticeable "pull" under brakes. This was after the mechanic who was trying to get my old zeniths working diagnosed the issue within 5 mins.

BimBim2oo2 · Post by **BimBim2oo2** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 5:45 pm

I need some advice in the steering department.

My 528 has all new components tie rods, track rod, control arms, struts springs, wheel bearings, yet I still feel a wobble in my steering wheel and I can not place it for the life of me. My alignment is as straight as it can be when placed on the rack as well. Maybe wheel balance? but that was just done recently as well. Would my wheel/tire size have anything to do with? I wouldnt think it would but at this point im a bit clueless

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 6:28 pm

Do you possibly think you should start a NEW thread, instead of hi-jacking Nikki's, Mr. BIM?

BimBim2oo2 · Post by **BimBim2oo2** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 7:50 pm

GripGreg wrote:Do you possibly think you should start a NEW thread, instead of hi-jacking Nikki's, Mr. BIM?

Its hardly hijacking as it is on topic. But thank you Mr. Jackass for being the forum police

And btw who the hell are you? IMHO in all my years of being apart of clubs and forums you are by far one of the biggest douche sacks I have come across. Get bent dude and stop trying to be all high and mighty

Falkenberg · Post by **Falkenberg** » Wed Oct 09, 2013 3:10 am

BimBim2oo2 wrote:I need some advice in the steering department.

My 528 has all new components tie rods, track rod, control arms, struts springs, wheel bearings, yet I still feel a wobble in my steering wheel and I can not place it for the life of me.

Could it be wheel balance, bent rim or even a tire problem? Did you try swapping wheels or even borrow a set of wheels? Is there any excessive play in the steering wheel?

Coming from E32, E12 seems very not prone to these kind of problems.

BimBim2oo2 · Post by **BimBim2oo2** » Wed Oct 09, 2013 7:00 am

Falkenberg wrote:
BimBim2oo2 wrote:I need some advice in the steering department.

My 528 has all new components tie rods, track rod, control arms, struts springs, wheel bearings, yet I still feel a wobble in my steering wheel and I can not place it for the life of me.
Could it be wheel balance, bent rim or even a tire problem? Did you try swapping wheels or even borrow a set of wheels? Is there any excessive play in the steering wheel?

Coming from E32, E12 seems very not prone to these kind of problems.

I'm starting to lean towards a balance issue. The wheels are not bent and were balanced before they were put on but the weights could have fallen off I suppose. There is not a lot of play in the wheel just a wobble or shimy when driving.

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Wed Oct 09, 2013 9:25 am

I think you are all correct in that I need to find a shop that cares to do the real work. For your issue Bim, I think balance as well. I stick around and see those machines and most show when it is balanced or off. I had a four wheel alignment machine perform mine and I could visually see all go green.

I think also it is the operator of the machine. First time was no issue.

I am going to get new tires (which I needed anyway) Friday, and I will have the person that attempted try again with the new set...no charge anyway so might as well.

I will report numbers when I can.

Keep the ideas and help coming...thanks.

BimBim2oo2 · Post by **BimBim2oo2** » Wed Oct 09, 2013 10:34 am

shebuilt wrote:I think you are all correct in that I need to find a shop that cares to do the real work. For your issue Bim, I think balance as well. I stick around and see those machines and most show when it is balanced or off. I had a four wheel alignment machine perform mine and I could visually see all go green.

I think also it is the operator of the machine. First time was no issue.

I am going to get new tires (which I needed anyway) Friday, and I will have the person that attempted try again with the new set...no charge anyway so might as well.

I will report numbers when I can.

Keep the ideas and help coming...thanks.

I'm interested to see your numbers. Id like to compare them to what I have on both my cars. Does anyone on here run camber plates up front? is it worth the extra $?

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Wed Oct 09, 2013 3:41 pm

A previous owner took a grinding tool to the bolt holes in the front shock tower, to make them slots. After installing Eibach springs and Bilstein sport shocks I took a wild guess the camber would like being in the outer most position, top of the struts out, away from the engine in the slots.

The alignment shop said one was right within specs, the other only needed a tiny bit of filing.

Since the car came with the slot decision made, and it works, dog my cats I guess I don't need camber plates.

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Fri Oct 11, 2013 5:29 pm

Ok...took Baron back with his new shoes (rims and tires) and it ended up that the last tech was not brilliant and didn't notice the gigantic bubble on my replacement spare.

Aligned and driving straight once again!

The before measurements:

LF
Camber:.6 (Red)
Caster:6.9 (Red)
Toe:-.28 (Red)

LR
Camber:-1.5(Green)
Toe:-.79(Red)

RF
Camber:-1.3 (Red)
Caster: 6.6(Red)
Toe: -.33(Red)

RR
Camber: -2.0(Green)
Toe: -.13 (Red)

Front Total Toe: -.61 (Red)
Steer Ahead: .03(Green)
Rear Total Toe: -.92 (Red)
Thrust Angle: -33 (Red)

Current:

LF
Camber: .6 (red)
Caster: 6.9 (red)
Toe: .15 (green)

RF
Camber: -1.5 (red)
Caster: 6.6 (red)
Toe: .16(green)

LR
Camber: -1.4(Red)
Toe: -.75 (red)
RR
Camber: -1.9(green)
Toe: -.13(red)

Front Total Toe: .31(green)
Steer Ahead: 0.00(green)
Rear Total Toe: -.88(red)
Thrust Angle: -.31(red)

PHEW! Hope it helps someone else. Haven't had it on freeway yet to top speeds (next project is valve cover gasket!) but if it steers off I will report back. As of now with new tires, it is GREAT!